    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 20, 2004]
    [Pages 2992-2993]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus
    Appropriations Legislation
    November 20, 2004

        I commend the Congress for reaching agreement on the Fiscal Year
    2005 omnibus appropriations bill. This legislation is in keeping with my
    goal to further strengthen the economy by cutting the budget deficit in
    half over 5 years. With resources already provided to continue to fight
    the war on terror and to protect the homeland, we have held to the
    fiscally responsible limits Congress and I agreed to and still
    adequately funded our domestic priorities like education, health care,
    and veterans' programs. This accomplishment would not have been possible
    without the excellent work of the leadership and Appropriations
    Committee chairmen of both the House and Senate. I look forward to
    signing a final bill into law.

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